Rail Safety Measures That Your Team Must Follow Now

Follow Rail Safety Regulations

Companies working on or near railroads must follow applicable railroad safety requirements and provide appropriate personal protective equipment. This often includes helmets, eye protection, hearing protection, and hi-vis clothing.

Before work begins, review applicable guidance from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and coordinate with the railroad operating in your work area. Train schedules, designated safe zones, and emergency procedures should be clear before crews enter the site.

Weather also affects rail safety. Snow and ice should be removed from walking surfaces when possible, and equipment should use proper warning lights so operators and nearby workers remain visible.

Appoint a Rail Safety Officer

A rail safety officer monitors the worksite, looks for hazards, and helps keep safety procedures on track. This person should understand the work being performed and have the authority to correct unsafe conditions.

Lookouts also play an important role. They watch for approaching trains, moving equipment, and changing conditions while helping workers move to designated safe areas when needed.

When required, trained flaggers use approved signals, flags, or lights to direct rail traffic and help maintain a safer work zone.

Require Safety Training

Rail safety training should begin during employee orientation and continue with regular refresher training throughout the year.

Training should cover working near active rail lines, avoiding collisions, using personal protective equipment, handling hazardous materials, and responding to emergencies.

General jobsite safety also matters. The National Safety Council provides guidance on preventing slips, trips, and falls, which are common risks in many work environments.

Written guides, diagrams, and posted safety procedures help workers review important information while they are on the job.

Be Careful With Hazardous Materials

Some freight trains carry hazardous materials, including flammable gases and liquids. These railcars should have markings or placards that identify the materials being transported.

Crews should coordinate with nearby rail operators and understand when hazardous shipments may pass through the work area. When added risk is present, give trains more space and follow established safety procedures.

If workers handle hazardous materials directly, provide proper ventilation, gloves, eye protection, respirators when required, and clear handling procedures.

Be Careful With Moving Trains

Moving trains create serious hazards because they cannot swerve around obstacles and may need a long distance to stop.

Workers should avoid standing on tracks whenever possible and keep tools, equipment, and materials clear of active rail lines.

If a train approaches, workers should move immediately to the designated safe location identified before work began.

Use Caution at Railroad Crossings

Railroad crossings add risk because crews may need to watch both train traffic and vehicle traffic at the same time.

Assign lookouts when work occurs near crossings. Keep tools organized and close to the work area to reduce unnecessary movement across tracks.

Good lighting also helps. Workers, drivers, and equipment operators should be able to recognize the work zone clearly, especially during early morning, evening, or low-light conditions.

Learn the Essentials of Rail Safety

Rail safety depends on preparation, communication, training, and proper protective equipment. Crews should understand the hazards around active rail lines before work begins.

Safety officers, lookouts, and trained workers all help reduce risk. High-visibility clothing also supports worker visibility around trains, vehicles, and equipment.